Asian Journal of Research in Cardiovascular Diseases

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Traditional Herbal Tea (Aju-Mbaise) on Lipid Profile and Some Liver Enzymes in Dyslipidaemic Female Wistar Rats

2024-01-15T13:00:36+00:00

Considering the recent popular use of a herbal tea― Aju Mbaise, in Southern parts of Nigeria, for weight shedding, the present study evaluated the effect of Ethanolic Extract of Aju Mbaise (EEAM) herbs consumption on lipid profile, some liver enzymes and body weight in high fat-diet induced dyslipidemic female Wistar rats were evaluated. Thirty (30) female Wistar rats weighing between 120-180g were used for this study and were divided into six (6) groups of 5 rats each: Group 1 rats (Negative Control) were allowed access to normal rat feed and water ad libitum. Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 rats were allowed access to only high-fat diet (HFD) and water ad libitum from the three weeks of acclimatization and throughout the period of administration. Group 2 served as positive control (received no treatment) while Group 3, was administered 1ml of 0.04mg simvastatin (a standard antidyslipidemic drug), and groups 4, 5 and 6 were administered 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg EEAM respectively. The body weights of the rats were recorded weekly. After the 21 days of administration, blood samples were collected from the rats via cardiac puncture after properly sedating them with 80% trichloromethane. The blood samples were then subjected to lipid profile and liver enzyme screening. Quantitative data obtained were then statistically analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS. The HFD elevated serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in groups 3 to 6 (treated rats) when compared to mainly group 2 and occasionally group (untreated rats). The serum levels of some liver enzymes particularly alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were found to be mostly significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the treated rats when compared to those of Groups 1 and 2. The percentage change in body weight of the rats in the treated groups (3, 4, 5 and 6) were also found to be significantly (P< 0.05) reduced when compared to the positive control (Group 2) which was not treated. Thus, while EEAM may be beneficial in regulating lipid profile and weight gain check, it may possibly result in signiﬁcant hepatotoxicity in increasing EEAM doses and its continuous consumption.

Pattern Variation in Electrocardiogram T wave of Apparently Healthy in-School Children in Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

2024-04-06T08:01:50+00:00

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns are graphical recordings of voltage versus time of the electrical waves of the heart using a resting 12-lead ECG machine. In children, ECG misinterpretation remains a problem and can result in clinical mismanagement. In electrocardiography, the T-wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles. This study aims to determine the T-wave inversion variation pattern in apparently healthy in-school Nigerian children in Choba.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional was carried out to determine pattern variations in T-wave inversion in in-school children across sex, age, and height. A simple random sampling method was used to select subjects from Primary 1 to 6. A total of 135 in-school children were recruited from a population of 203 from 2 primary schools in Choba. The subjects were randomly sampled across two sex groups (boys and girls) and three age groups (5-8, 9-11, and 12-14). Trends in weight, height, and blood pressure were also observed. A resting 12-lead electrocardiograph, a seca standiometer, a mercury sphygmomanometer cuffs, and a stethoscope were used. Data was collected using standard methods. The procedures were conducted by competent personnel.

Results: The girls have significantly higher mean age, height, weight, and systolic blood pressure than boys (p<0.01). Diastolic blood pressure between boys and girls showed no significant difference (p<0.005). The distribution of T wave inversion has no sexual preference (×2=0.702; p=0.873). The result also showed a correlation between measured variables in the study population. More V1-V2 T-wave inversion was found in both sexes compared with other T-wave inversions.

Conclusion: The T-wave inversion pattern in respondents is such that 11.85% had no inversion;16.3% had in V1 only, 24.96% had in V1& V2 and 28.89% had in V1, V2 &V3 precordial leads. Therefore, we consider T-wave inversion as normal findings in apparently healthy children.

Expert Opinion on the Usage of Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Clinical Conditions in Indian Settings

2024-04-09T12:57:07+00:00

Objective: The current survey-based study aims to better understand expert opinion on the most commonly prescribed anticoagulants in clinical practice, with a special focus on the use of dabigatran in real-time clinical practice in an Indian setting.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the viewpoints of 183 experts from various regions in India regarding the use of dabigatran. The survey consisted of 16 questions to obtain expert responses regarding the usage of dabigatran in clinical practice. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: The study gathered responses from 183 clinicians. The majority of the clinicians (72%) recommended dabigatran as the most preferred anticoagulant. Approximately 76% of respondents recommended dabigatran for atrial fibrillation (AF). Dabigatran was identified as the most commonly recommended medication for both pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by 69% of the respondents. The respondents also preferred the drug for managing other clinical conditions such as ischemic stroke and prophylaxis in hip replacement surgery. More than half (64%) of the respondents reported dabigatran to be more effective than rivaroxaban and apixaban.

Conclusion: Dabigatran emerged as the preferred anticoagulant in clinical practice. Dabigatran, among the anticoagulants, can be a top choice in AF, PE, DVT, ischemic stroke, and hip replacement surgery as therapy and prophylaxis.